Step 1: Make the Frame

(Ignore the pile of crap in the background of this shot. We tore down the old hedge and built a new fence while building the chair)

I constructed the two uprights first. I thought I had enough timber to create a pair of nice A frames for each side but they were not long enough to get the hight I needed so I ended up using the two longest which I cut using the chainsaw to the same length with flat ends. I then used some 4 inch wood screws to attach four the support legs which were, again, cut with the chain saw to all be the same length but with 45 degree angles.

Next I cut notches into the ends of the crossbeam to allow it to balance on the uprights. This was the only point in the build I needed a second pair of (strong) hands as this log was very heavy, although when I was positioned on top of the two uprights it balanced perfectly, which came as a nice surprise!

The two logs which hold the crossbeam to the uprights were split using the axe and screwed in position using a handful of 4 inch wood screws.

Step 2: Test for Strength

Not specifically required but it was a pretty good feeling to know how stable it was!

Step 3: Roofing

The roof was a very simple construction as it essentially self balanced. Each side is supported by a 4 ft log which was split down the center and screwed to the frame with 4 inch wood screws. The roof is made out of some leftover 6 ft feather edge fencing boards.

Before I finished the roof I drilled two holes to hang the chair from.

I used two 6 inch M12 eye bolts with some big washers to hang the chair.

Step 4: The Chair

The chair frame was made from some 4"x2" planks which I screwed together at a jaunty angle and cut a curve in for the natural seat shape. I kind of messed this part up because I originally planned to make the entire chair out of timber (until i found out how much that would cost! Timber is expensive!) I didn't consider how much tension this would be under so if I made it again I would probably use something more robust for the supports. The webbing was an afterthought as my friend has some leftover from a previous project. I used around 80 meters in total. Although it looks relatively time consuming it only took around 3 hours. I stretched the webbing out across the lengths as I figured this would maintain the shape of the chair then weaved in the other direction. I cut the webbing using a stanley knife and sealed it using a candle flame to stop it fraying. The webbing is held in place with some small wood screws I had lying around.

The chair is held up using some chain I got from tool station and some maillons from ebay.